Santa's Friday's B*ll*x

[Chinners]

Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz has ramped up the heat ahead of Saturday's trip to Anfield by saying it is Liverpool who should be feeling the pressure.

Mark Hughes' draw specialists head to Merseyside, for a game that can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, determined to put an end to a run of five successive stalemates in the league. While City have set their sights on a UEFA Champions League spot, Liverpool's title tilt looks to have stalled already as Rafa Benitez's side find themselves a point behind City, while trailing league leaders Chelsea by a full 11. And it is a point not lost on Santa Cruz as he urges his City team-mates to prove their credentials on Saturday.

He said: "People say this is a big game for City, to prove we are worthy of being called a big club. But this is also a big game for Liverpool. They'll look at us and see us above them in the table. Our main aim is to be in one of the Champions League places by finishing in the top four. So we need to go to Liverpool and prove we can take one of those places they want to be involved in. Next year we want to be playing in the Champions League at Manchester City." Having seen the importance Manchester neighbours United place on trips to Anfield the Paraguayan has urged City to do the same. "You can see from the past United always wanted to beat Liverpool, even though they were the champions. Big games like this are always different - they bring a lot of motivation to the players and are always special. I'm sure we will approach the game thinking in the same way that United do - that Liverpool are contenders we need to beat."

MANCHESTER CITY are being tipped to break into the top four this season - by rival teams' bosses.
A survey of all 20 Premier League managers found that 80 per cent - 16 gaffers - believe Mark Hughes' side will end the stranglehold of Manchester United, Chelsea Arsenal and Liverpool. No team has managed to break this domination since Everton grabbed fourth spot in the 2004-05 season. Barclays, sponsor of the Premier League and title sponsor of the League Managers' Association, asked the 20 men in charge their thoughts and predictions for the current season. Chelsea are the favourites for the title with 10 of the bosses - 50 per cent - choosing the Blues ahead of current champions United, who got eight votes.

City's £25million new-boy Emmanuel Adebayor was picked by 30 per cent as the signing of the season, ahead of Sunderland's Darren Bent on 20 per cent. Adebayor's Eastlands team-mate Gareth Barry polled 15 per cent, with Liverpool's Glen Johnson getting 10 per cent. When asked which English prospect would make the biggest impact this season, a resounding 66 per cent chose Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell, 18.

Liverpool hitman Fernando Torres was picked by 45 per cent of managers to scoop the Barclays Golden Boot Award as top scorer, despite his hernia. And when asked which of this season's Premier League derbies was a highlight so far, 30 per cent of gaffers opted for City's thrilling 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford in September.

Benitez finally believes Liverpool’s season is poised for take off.
After three of the most frustrating months he has experienced during his career, when results have gone askew as quickly as star players have been forced to set up camp in Melwood’s medical room, it is certainly a case of better late than never for Benitez.
Having seen his team written off as flops and heard many predict their place in the top four is likely to be surrendered come May, the time has come for the Liverpool manager to galvanise a response and he is adamant one is on the way.

Manchester City’s visit tomorrow has long been looked upon as one of the most significant encounters of the season, with many expecting the Blues from the other end of the M62, fuelled by Arab billions, to make a statement of intent.They, after all, have been hailed as a Champions League club in the making and with Liverpool’s experiencing results that have left supporters screaming like the figure in Edward Munch’s fabled painting, it is easy to see why a shift in power is anticipated. City’s squad, for starters, includes a strike force that cost almost £100m, the third most expensive central defender in football history and Gareth Barry, a player who Liverpool courted long and hard while he was at Aston Villa.

Benitez, however, has remained unruffled throughout; he has long maintained the view that a clearing of the sick bay will herald a change in Liverpool’s fortunes and the moment he has been waiting for is almost here. True, there is no Fernando Torres, Alberto Aquilani is not match fit and Yossi Benayoun is hamstrung but Benitez is quietly confident the side he will select for tomorrow’s lunchtime showdown will be a match for City’s expensively assembled ensemble.
More of this article at http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpoo ... 5211531/2/

[youtube]aZFJVmrlhuU[/youtube]

The top 50 teenage sensations in Premier League history, Nos 10-1
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/footba ... l?ITO=1490

Is David Villa heading for the Premier League? Well, there's good news and bad news http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion ... 26161.html

TRANSFER BOLLOX
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has doubts as to whether to sign Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero as he weighs up if the Argentine is worth £40m. Daily Mirror

Chelsea are willing to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson for £4m and loan him back to the Teesside outfit.Daily Mirror

Bolton are lining up a £7m January transfer window bid for Celtic midfielder Scott Brown. Daily Mirror

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart is not keen on signing striker Amr Zaki, who spent a spell on loan at Wigan, even though a fee has been agreed with Egyptian club Zamalek. The Sun

Ipswich are weighing up a move for West Ham midfielder and former winger Kieron Dyer. (Daily Telegraph)

OTHER BOLLOX
France striker Thierry Henry was told by his former manager Arsene Wenger that he should have owned up to his handball against the Republic of Ireland.Daily Mirror

Hull trio Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt were in the Republic of Ireland squad for the controversial game in France and their club manager Phil Brown wants them to see a sports psychologist. (Daily Express)

England's 2018 World Cup bid team are unlikely to get any more financial support from the Premier League.Guardian

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is concerned over Shola Ameobi opting to play for Nigeria and being ruled out during the African Cup of Nations.Daily Star

Former Birmingham owner David Gold could end his interest in buying West Ham after opening talks about buying Crystal Palace. (Daily Star)

WAG OF THE DAY - Keyla Espinoza

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2 ... a-espinoza

FINAL BOLLOX
In the fall-out from Thierry Henry's handball, ex-Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy says Fifa stands for Forget Irish Football Altogether. He also says, if he was Richard Dunne, he would not have let Henry sit next to him on the pitch after the game. The Sun

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole says the Old Trafford club's manager Sir Alex Ferguson made a mistake in not signing Liverpool star Fernando Torres - and his opinion is backed up by the current players of the Premier League champions.Daily Star

[CITYTILLIDIE11]

Santa: We’ll ruin Rafa’s Xmas”

RAFA BENITEZ has been warned Santa is out to wreck his run-up to Christmas.
Roque Santa Cruz and his Manchester City team-mates head for Anfield tomorrow looking to push Liverpool boss Benitez closer to the sack.
The Reds' season could be over before the decorations have even gone up if the next few days go badly at home and in Europe.
Striker Santa Cruz said: "People say this is a big game for City, to prove we are worthy of being called a big club. But this is also a big game for Liverpool.
"They'll look at us and see us above them in the table.
"Our main aim is to be in one of the Champions League places by finishing in the top four.
"So we need to go to Liverpool and prove we can take one of those places they want to be involved in.
"Next year we want to be playing in the Champions League at Manchester City."
Santa Cruz has been involved in title races in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.
He knows Liverpool is always seen as a massive game by Manchester United and feels City need to adopt a similar mentality.
The Paraguayan said: "You can see from the past United always wanted to beat Liverpool, even though they were the champions.
"Big games like this are always different - they bring a lot of motivation to the players and are always special.
"I'm sure we will approach the game thinking in the same way that United do - that Liverpool are contenders we need to beat.
" Mark Hughes' men have lost only one Premier League game all season but have drawn their last five.
Santa Cruz, 28, added: "Of course we are heading in the right direction in terms of getting stronger as a team.
"This is a long race and what is important is what happens in the end.
"Even when we broke into the top four our gaffer was not 100 per cent happy with our performance.
"He is always looking to improve the way we play.

[Robinho_Is_GOD]

Not an awful lot happening today then!.

As for RSC, yesterday he was blabbering his tosh about Robinho, which contradicted what the Manager, CEO, Chairman and even player himself said......I wonder who is lying there?.

Today he puts his foot in it and says basically that Liverpool should be feeling pressure and be regarded almost as if they were underdogs.....do us all a favor RSC, and shut the fuck up, until you are fit enough to contribute to the team in the way you are paid to, if you want to be a club spokesperson, then all the better, cancel your contract (will be best thing you could do for City) and ask Buzzer if your good enough to join his team.......only thing is the people on that team have contributed to this club in a positive way, what is your mantra?.

[CITYTILLIDIE11]

Not an awful lot happening today then!.

As for RSC, yesterday he was blabbering his tosh about Robinho, which contradicted what the Manager, CEO, Chairman and even player himself said......I wonder who is lying there?.

Today he puts his foot in it and says basically that Liverpool should be feeling pressure and be regarded almost as if they were underdogs.....do us all a favor RSC, and shut the fuck up, until you are fit enough to contribute to the team in the way you are paid to, if you want to be a club spokesperson, then all the better, cancel your contract (will be best thing you could do for City) and ask Buzzer if your good enough to join his team.......only thing is the people on that team have contributed to this club in a positive way, what is your mantra?.

If we get a good tonking tomorrow then with a bit of luck we might not hear from him for a while.

His brown nosing off Hughes is making me sick.

[ian494]

Not an awful lot happening today then!.

As for RSC, yesterday he was blabbering his tosh about Robinho, which contradicted what the Manager, CEO, Chairman and even player himself said......I wonder who is lying there?.

Today he puts his foot in it and says basically that Liverpool should be feeling pressure and be regarded almost as if they were underdogs.....do us all a favor RSC, and shut the fuck up, until you are fit enough to contribute to the team in the way you are paid to, if you want to be a club spokesperson, then all the better, cancel your contract (will be best thing you could do for City) and ask Buzzer if your good enough to join his team.......only thing is the people on that team have contributed to this club in a positive way, what is your mantra?.

If we get a good tonking tomorrow then with a bit of luck we might not hear from him for a while.

His brown nosing off Hughes is making me sick.

So now it becomes clear... You are hoping we lose so it proves your point.

Nice one

What exactly is your agenda?

[LookMumImOnMCF.net]

seems i can't even quote. wtf do i know?!

[Fidel Castro]

I wish Crocky would shut the fuck up

[CITYTILLIDIE11]

Not an awful lot happening today then!.

As for RSC, yesterday he was blabbering his tosh about Robinho, which contradicted what the Manager, CEO, Chairman and even player himself said......I wonder who is lying there?.

Today he puts his foot in it and says basically that Liverpool should be feeling pressure and be regarded almost as if they were underdogs.....do us all a favor RSC, and shut the fuck up, until you are fit enough to contribute to the team in the way you are paid to, if you want to be a club spokesperson, then all the better, cancel your contract (will be best thing you could do for City) and ask Buzzer if your good enough to join his team.......only thing is the people on that team have contributed to this club in a positive way, what is your mantra?.

If we get a good tonking tomorrow then with a bit of luck we might not hear from him for a while.

His brown nosing off Hughes is making me sick.

So now it becomes clear... You are hoping we lose so it proves your point.

Nice one

What exactly is your agenda?

Are you retarded or what ?

Where does it say I hope we get beat ?

“IF” ffs.

Meaning “IF” we get a good tonking then the enigma that is RSC is going to look a right fcuking TIT running his mouth don’t you think..

Playing the game of reverse psychology against a side like Liverpool is a bit of a dangerous game to play, it could have the desired effect of firing them up even more.

Read properly.

[Wonderwall]

what is 'sick' is that so called 'fans' are having a go at a player for saying good things about the manager and overall set up. Nothing wrong with coming out and backing your team and manager and also put a bit more pressure on the most under fire manager in the league.

I really dont understand why any city fan would look at liverpool beating us being a positive.

[ian494]

what is 'sick' is that so called 'fans' are having a go at a player for saying good things about the manager and overall set up. Nothing wrong with coming out and backing your team and manager and also put a bit more pressure on the most under fire manager in the league.

I really dont understand why any city fan would look at liverpool beating us being a positive.

That's probably because he isn't a City fan

[CITYTILLIDIE11]

what is 'sick' is that so called 'fans' are having a go at a player for saying good things about the manager and overall set up. Nothing wrong with coming out and backing your team and manager and also put a bit more pressure on the most under fire manager in the league.

I really dont understand why any city fan would look at liverpool beating us being a positive.

Please don’t take it out of context mate.

No defeat is ever positive you know that as well as I, you disagree with my opinions on Hughes then fair enough I accept that, but to manipulate what I say and twist it is bang out of order.

Although i will accept RSC keeping his trap shut would be a good result.

[CITYTILLIDIE11]

what is 'sick' is that so called 'fans' are having a go at a player for saying good things about the manager and overall set up. Nothing wrong with coming out and backing your team and manager and also put a bit more pressure on the most under fire manager in the league.

I really dont understand why any city fan would look at liverpool beating us being a positive.

That's probably because he isn't a City fan

How old are you 13 ?

Shouldn’t you be at school or something ?

I don’t like Hughes so I am not a City fan ? ,

That’s something a kid would say grow up.

[ian494]

what is 'sick' is that so called 'fans' are having a go at a player for saying good things about the manager and overall set up. Nothing wrong with coming out and backing your team and manager and also put a bit more pressure on the most under fire manager in the league.

I really dont understand why any city fan would look at liverpool beating us being a positive.

Please don’t take it out of context mate.

No defeat is ever positive you know that as well as I, you disagree with my opinions on Hughes then fair enough I accept that, but to manipulate what I say and twist it is bang out of order.

Although i will accept RSC keeping his trap shut would be a good result.

The only thing I see is you manipulating what is said and then twisting it to suit your agenda.

[ian494]

what is 'sick' is that so called 'fans' are having a go at a player for saying good things about the manager and overall set up. Nothing wrong with coming out and backing your team and manager and also put a bit more pressure on the most under fire manager in the league.

I really dont understand why any city fan would look at liverpool beating us being a positive.

That's probably because he isn't a City fan

How old are you 13 ?

Shouldn’t you be at school or something ?

I don’t like Hughes so I am not a City fan ? ,

That’s something a kid would say grow up.

I'm not the one littering the whole board with anti hughes bollocks.

Now, keyboard warrior, why don't you stop and think before you post your inane drivel.

I have not had to Foe anyone yet, but you sir, a getting mighty close.

[BlueinBosnia]

A survey of all 20 Premier League managers ...

When asked which English prospect would make the biggest impact this season, a resounding 66 per cent chose Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell, 18.

I'm surprised nobody else (ie Slim) has picked up the problem with this yet.

[Slim]

A survey of all 20 Premier League managers ...

When asked which English prospect would make the biggest impact this season, a resounding 66 per cent chose Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell, 18.

I'm surprised nobody else (ie Slim) has picked up the problem with this yet.

hahaha, awesome...well done.

[Wonderwall]

what is 'sick' is that so called 'fans' are having a go at a player for saying good things about the manager and overall set up. Nothing wrong with coming out and backing your team and manager and also put a bit more pressure on the most under fire manager in the league.

I really dont understand why any city fan would look at liverpool beating us being a positive.

Please don’t take it out of context mate.

No defeat is ever positive you know that as well as I, you disagree with my opinions on Hughes then fair enough I accept that, but to manipulate what I say and twist it is bang out of order.

Although i will accept RSC keeping his trap shut would be a good result.

why not a resounding win and let him shout from the rooftops?

[Chinners]

A survey of all 20 Premier League managers ...

When asked which English prospect would make the biggest impact this season, a resounding 66 per cent chose Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell, 18.

I'm surprised nobody else (ie Slim) has picked up the problem with this yet.

hahaha, awesome...well done.

Ha ha indeed!, good work Bosnia

[Chinners]

Robinho set for shock Liverpool return bollox

ROBINHO is set for a shock return for City against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

But City boss Mark Hughes will wait until the 11th hour before making a decision ahead of a game that Blues fans see as vital if the long-established top four is to be broken up.

Rather than risk the Brazilian superstar from the start, a highly likely option would be to name him on the bench.

Robinho has not featured for the Blues since late August, having suffered a stress fracture of his ankle while on international duty with Brazil.

And his future has been the subject of intense speculation which increased after City team-mate Roque Santa Cruz revealed that the £32.5m club-record signing has spoken openly of one day joining Barcelona.

But Robinho insists his only focus is on winning back his Blues first-team spot and he was all smiles at training yesterday after returning from Qatar.

He had caused a furore last week by staying there with the Brazil squad after making the short trip from City's Abu Dhabi training camp to have his fitness assessed.

It was a move that surprised the Blues as they were expecting him to return straight to their camp once Brazil's medical staff had checked out his injury.

But boss Hughes has spoken to the player about what happened and the club now consider the matter closed.

Robinho played no part in Brazil's victories over England and Oman after Hughes insisted he wasn't fit.

But he is eager to get playing again after a frustrating lay-off lasting almost three months.

Hughes is understood to be reluctant to risk playing Robinho from the start against Liverpool.

He will keep a check on the playmaker's progress over the next 24 hours though before deciding whether he is worthy of a place on the bench.

The manager lost one of his left-sided options in midweek as Martin Petrov was ruled out for up to a fortnight after suffering a knee injury on international duty with Bulgaria.

Petrov and Craig Bellamy have filled the left-sided midfield role during Robinho's absence with the Welshman expected to do the job against his former club tomorrow.

The Blues are keen to end a sequence of five successive league draws by winning at Anfield for only the second time since 1981. A sixth straight league stalemate tomorrow lunchtime would equal a club record set in 1913.

The Blues drew their final four First Division games of the 1912-13 campaign against Everton, Sheffield Wednesday, Blackburn and Derby, then added to that run at the start of the following season against Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.

City midfielder Gareth Barry believes it is time City started turning draws into wins. Barry said: “This is an important period of the season coming up where we need to make things happen.

We look at blocks of fixtures in team meetings and maybe set targets - but in training we just look at it one game at a time.

"All everyone is thinking about now is the Liverpool game and taking it from there if we can get a good result.”

CLASSIC TRIBAL BOLLOX- PART 263
Liverpool turned down offers totalling £100 MILLION in the summer from Manchester City for their players. Fernando Torres could have been sold last summer to Manchester City if Benitez had accepted their offer. The scale of City's failed raid is staggering: £70million for Torres plus and an additional £30million bid for Javier Mascherano. Benitez rejected both offers from City counterpart Mark Hughes.

Rumour Of The Day
'Which manager is on borrowed time at his club after getting the chairman's daughter pregnant? He'd already fallen out with one of his star players over the girl, when he discovered the star was getting his end away with his young mistress as well'

[MaineRoadMemories]

Loving the rumour of the day! I heard a few weeks ago that it was Phil Brown. Didn't hear about the other player getting his end away though :-)